Jobs in Dumfries and Galloway

The Role:

The Grey Squirrel Control Officer will contribute to a programme of targeted grey squirrel control to protect key populations of Scotland’s red squirrels, in accordance with the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels plan to protect red squirrels in priority landscapes in South West Scotland. This role requires an individual with experience in mammal control work that enjoys working outdoors, who is approachable and enjoys interacting with people.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Delivering grey squirrel control, including supporting grey squirrel control volunteers and Red Squirrel Networks in the SSRS Priority Areas for Red squirrel Conservation. The role covers the South West of Scotland with the main areas of responsibility being Dumfries town and surrounding area, including local Priority Areas for Red squirrel Conservation.

Specifically this includes:

1. Carrying out targeted and strategic grey squirrel control in agreed areas according to the SSRS project’s Standard Operating Procedures.

2. Working collaboratively with other Grey Squirrel Control Officers, area volunteer group(s) and external organisations. This includes assisting with training new volunteers to take on the roles o monitoring and control activities.

3. Provide opportunities for new trainees to work with you on your trap-rounds to ensure they are capable of working to SSRS standards on private or publicly-held land and understand the principles of trapping for grey squirrel management.

4. Where required, carry out monitoring to assess squirrel presence e.g. feederbox camera traps

5. Work with the Lead Control Officer to deliver training sessions, where required, to new SSRS staff, volunteers and/or land managers in all aspects of best practice grey squirrel control, Rapid Response Monitoring and Squirrel Pox Sampling techniques.

6. Assist the SSRS Lead Control Officer and SSRS Communications Officer, as needed, in responding to enquiries from the public regarding grey squirrel control for red squirrel conservation.

The successful candidate will:

The successful candidate will possess an SVQ/NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Game and Wildlife Management or related discipline or relevant experience of game keeping, invasive/non-native mammal control or pest control. A good understanding of conservation principles, practices and legislation would also be desirable as would the ability to keep and maintain accurate records in Word and Excel.

Relevant previous experience is essential, together with experience working with landowners, gamekeepers, foresters and the public. A knowledge of forest and native tree species and familiarity with the Dumfries area would be advantageous.

There may occasionally be a requirement to work out of normal working hours.

You must possess a full clean driving licence.

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and supported by project partners and the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.

About us

For more than 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas.

The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. The Trust manages a network of over 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.

This is a unique opportunity to play a vital behind-the-scenes role in a community-led organisation that is actively working to bring empty buildings back into use and help shape a vibrant, sustainable future for Dumfries town centre.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for someone who can bring strong financial skills, alongside excellent attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team. You will be confident working with financial systems and numbers, maintaining accurate and well-organised records, and producing clear, reliable financial reports that help us understand, manage, and plan our finances with confidence.

Just as importantly, you will be organised, dependable, and proactive, with a flexible approach and a willingness to get involved in a varied role that also supports our office operations, staff team, and members. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment are both essential.

JOB PURPOSE

As Finance and Administration Co-ordinator, you will play a key role within our team, providing essential financial and administrative support to staff and the Board. The core focus of the role is financial management; however, you will also contribute to the effective running of our office and the ongoing development of our membership systems. Working as part of a small committed team, this role is central to maintaining strong financial systems, enabling informed project planning and strategic decision-making. Your accurate financial record-keeping, timely reporting, and effective behind-the-scenes support will be vital to our organisation’s continued success.

Do you wish to organise and run activities and events, including youth groups, social groups and community celebrations?

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Activities and Facilities Manager, two part-time Managers, or a part-time Manager and a part-time Coordinator to shape a new programme of events, improving the vibrancy of the Old Luce area, reducing social isolation and poverty, increasing community cohesion and developing our young people. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory PVG clearance.

Midsteeple Quarter is a pioneering community benefit society, a community-led initiative working to revive the heart of Dumfries town centre. Our vision is to transform a row of underused High Street buildings into a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood where people can live, work and connect.

Following the completion of The Standard Building, Midsteeple Quarter is entering an exciting new phase. We are taking our communications and community engagement work in-house, building on previous success to deepen relationships with our members and the wider community. Our work has attracted national attention for its ambitious, community-led approach to town centre regeneration. Maintaining this momentum will be key to our continued success. This new role offers a unique opportunity to play a central part in shaping how we connect, communicate and grow.

JOB PURPOSE

• To increase our visual presence on the High Street and strengthen our engagement with our members.
• To enable our members to be properly consulted in connection with a feasibility study that is looking at long term regeneration design options for three of our community-owned buildings.
• To support our Enterprise Manager with community events and build relationships with our members, tenants and wider community.
• To help undertake a review of our members database.
• To assist with the introduction of a more streamlined online system for capturing members details, interests and communication preferences.
• To increase participation at events we are hosting at our Standard Building, including through installing signage and wayfinding materials.
• To identify and implement options for physical signage across our High Street buildings.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a creative and proactive individual with a background in community engagement and/or communications. You will be able to build positive relations with people from a wide range of backgrounds and be confident in producing engaging digital content across different platforms. With excellent IT and organisational skills you’ll have a track record in organising successful community events. You will be flexible, enjoy working in a small team and be able to work evening and weekends.